It is traditional for some Moroccans to break their Ramadan fast with chebakia cookies served alongside of dishes like harira soup, according to My Moroccan Food. Harira is the perfectly savory and complex foil to the sweet pastry, and contains lamb, beef, or chicken, lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, turmeric, cumin, and cilantro (via Amira’s Pantry and Epicurious). For folks who don’t have the time and inclination to make chebakia from scratch, they’re found in abundance in the Morocco’s bustling market stalls and bakeries in the days before Ramadan.
My Moroccan Food points out that the experience of enjoying this favorite pastry (also known as griwech or rose des sables) is multi-faceted. Deep frying the chebakia gives them both a chewy and crunchy texture, and the flavors of sesame, honey, and turmeric are upfront and distinct. With many levels of flavor, says the site, it’s difficult to understand this cookie without tasting it yourself.
Described by Morocco World News as “as addictive as it is delicious,” look for them at a Middle Eastern bakery or specialty store near you, or if you have a few hours, visit Taste of Maroc or MarocMama to learn how to make them yourself.
